October 17, 2024
October 17, 2024
The Friends of Cooley Dickinson, a volunteer organization that supports the hospital, has received two generous gifts from the Richason family totaling more than $210,000.
The gifts, which the organization will use to support the hospital’s childbirth center and new emergency department, come from the estate of Mark J. Richason ($32,500) and the Richason Living Trust ($178,000), established by George R. Richason, Jr.
The Richason family’s deep connection to Cooley Dickinson stems from the exceptional care provided to Frances Richason, Mark’s mother and George’s wife. Frances was a dedicated volunteer at Cooley Dickinson for more than 30 years, earning recognition for ‘meritorious service’. She passed away in 2002 at age 84.
“For more than 120 years, Friends of CDH have been committed to advocating for and supporting Cooley Dickinson through volunteerism and fundraising,” said JoAnne Finck, president of Friends of Cooley Dickinson. “Frances Richason exemplified this spirit with her 30 years of service, and it is heartwarming to see her family carry on her dedication. These gifts will make a lasting impact on our hospital, improving care from birth through end-of-life.”
Frances’ husband George is the former associate head of the chemistry department at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is one of just four non-athletes or coaches inducted into its athletic hall of fame. An avid supporter of student-athletes, he spent decades on various UMass athletic committees, including as the chairman of the athletic council, as a member of search committees for senior athletic leaders, and as the faculty representative to the NCAA. George’s more than 70 years of service to the university led to a certificate of ‘special congressional recognition’ in 2014. He passed away in 2015 at age 99.
“The Richason family’s legacy of compassion, generosity, and community service continues through this incredible act of giving. We are very lucky to be a community hospital with such a strong, passionate, and dedicated group of supporters,” said Robin Kline, director of volunteer and patient services at Cooley Dickinson. “The Friends of Cooley Dickinson, with whom Frances was deeply involved, have accomplished so much for our hospital, and their contributions continue to benefit countless patients.”
